A 5-0 home win against Bangor was exactly the sort of dream start Carrickfergus 1st XI wished for as they opened their Senior League Section Three challenge last Saturday.

A goal apiece from Zara Lough, Lois Passmore, Amie Campbell, Julie Oliver and Christine Waide, without reply from the visitors, reflected Carrick's dominance throughout the match.

However, despite their resounding victory, Carrick still remain cautious about their prospects for the season.

"It's certainly an encouraging start for the team, but with absolutely no disrespect intended to Bangor, we'll face a lot more difficult opposition this season," said Carrick captain Waide.

"We made too many elementary mistakes which would have been punished by more experienced opponents.

"A visit to Raphoe this coming Saturday will really test us, but it's good at least to go there with three points already under our belt.

"I'm really pleased with the way our new players settled and the result should hopefully help to settle any early nerves."

Carrick Seconds went one better in Junior Six with a 6-0 away win over Annadale.

Two goals from Jordan McKee, and one each from Emma Boal, Lucy Cooke, Lynsey McMaw and Amy Cross easily outclassed the home side.

Carrick Thirds were only minutes away from making it a clean sweep of victories for the club in Ballymoney, but the hosts produced a last gasp equaliser to deny Carrick what would have been a well deserved opening win in Junior Eight.

Carrick vice captain Sarah Majury, who scored her side's goal in the 1-1 draw, was pleased with her players' performance.

"A point at Ballymoney is never easily earned, but on the balance of play we could and should have taken all three," reflected Sarah.

" The players worked really hard for each other and if they can reproduce this sort of form in future matches, I'll be well satisfied.

"Maybe we should have converted more of the goal scoring opportunities we created, but at least we were creating chances and that's the important thing."

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